New chaplain joins the ranks in Cooma

COOMA Police Officers welcomed a new addition into their ranks, with Farhad Khan unveiled as the new Police Chaplain at the Cooma Police Station last week.

Farhad Khan, the new Police Chaplain at Cooma Police Station, is joined by Senior State Chaplain Alan Lowe, and Superintendent Rod Smith, the Commander of the Monaro Local Area Command.

COOMA Police Officers welcomed a new addition into their ranks, with Farhad Khan unveiled as the new Police Chaplain at the Cooma Police Station last week.

On Thursday, June 19, a reception was held to mark Farhad's appointment as chaplain, a role which has been vacant since the start of the year.

The position will see Farhad provide counselling, emotional and spiritual support for Cooma and the region's officers.

"Providing support for the officers and their families is my immediate responsibility," Farhad said.

"Also if there is an incident, that's difficult for the officer, we offer emotional support."

Farhad moved to Cooma from Campbelltown, in Sydney's south-west, just over a year ago, where he is now the Pastor of Cooma Baptist Church. His chaplaincy role will be on performed on a voluntary basis across a number of hours per week.

Superintendent Rod Smith, the Commander of the Monaro Local Area Command, says Farhad has an important role to play in the local police force.

"We very much welcome Farhad to the chaplaincy at Cooma," Superintendent Smith said.

"The officers here and in the command will value the service Farhad will provide us.

"Chaplaincy is such a critical thing, it allows officers to go to someone local for welfare issues."

Across NSW there are around 80 police chaplains operating on a voluntary basis. Senior State Chaplain Alan Lowe says selecting future chaplains is a thorough process.

"It's pretty selective on who we choose, not everyone who applies is suitable," Mr Lowe said.

"The process is rigorous, it requires the imprimatur from the head of the applicant's denominations.